Aquatic Facility Guidelines
This page brings together key resources for managing and operating aquatic facilities. It includes the Aquatic Facility Guidelines, tools, and guidance to support safe, effective, and well-run facilities.
Aquatic Facilities Guidelines
We've updated Aquatic Facility Guidelines with input from the sector. They set out best practice for operating aquatic facilities in Aotearoa New Zealand.
With support from Water Safety New Zealand and Sport NZ Ihi Aotearoa, the guidelines have been updated with contributions and advice from industry personnel.
The latest version has a refreshed structure and design. We’ve updated key sections to reflect current practice and legislation. We’ve also added links to relevant tools and resources.
The guidelines help you:
- operate safe and effective aquatic facilities
- meet industry standards and expectations
- access practical tools and templates.
They include guidance across a range of facilities, including:
- public swimming pools
- school and hospitality pools
- thermal and spa pools.
They also cover features such as hydroslides, wave pools, and lazy rivers.
The guidelines are not exhaustive. We welcome your feedback to support future updates. Contact Rhiann Collins, Aquatics Programme Manager, at rhiann@nzrecreation.org.nz.
Download Aquatic Facilities Guidelines chapters
Download individual chapters of the guidelines in Word or PDF format.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Overview of the guidelines, definitions, and contact details for organisations relevant to the aquatic industry.
Aquatic Facilities Guidelines – Introduction (Word)
Aquatic Facilities Guidelines – Introduction (PDF)
Chapter 2: Health and Safety
Information on PoolSafe®, legislation, risk management, hazard awareness, emergencies, equipment, customer hygiene, faecal incidents and cryptosporidium, and common injuries and first aid.
Aquatic Facilities Guidelines – Health and Safety (Word)
Aquatic Facilities Guidelines – Health and Safety (PDF)
Chapter 3: Customer Care
Includes customer service, satisfaction, education, disability awareness, the customer safety code, frequently asked questions, privacy, and photography.
Aquatic Facilities Guidelines – Customer Care (Word)
Aquatic Facilities Guidelines – Customer Care (PDF)
Chapter 4: Facility Operation
Covers normal operating procedures, supervision of facilities and activities, and communication.
Includes information:
- about customer requirements
- on location and equipment for childcare areas, fitness suites, and gyms
- specific to school and community pools, hospitality pools, and thermal pools.
Aquatic Facilities Guidelines – Facility Operations (Word)
Aquatic Facilities Guidelines – Facility Operations (PDF)
Chapter 5: Plant Operation
Information on water quality, water treatment procedures, filtration systems and cleaning.
Aquatic Facilities Guidelines – Plant Operations (Word)
Aquatic Facilities Guidelines – Plant Operations (PDF)
Chapter 6: Facility Management
Information on asset management.
Aquatic Facilities Guidelines – Facility Management (Word)
Aquatic Facilities Guidelines – Facility Management (PDF)
Chapter 7: Personnel
Includes legislation, recruitment and selection, training and development, staff management, staff presentation and protection, problem solving, and staff qualifications and training.
Aquatic Facilities Guidelines – Personnel (Word)
Aquatic Facilities Guidelines – Personnel (PDF)
Chapter 8: Facility Development
Covers the planning process, pool specifications, and design and facility upgrades.
Aquatic Facilities Guidelines – Facility Development (Word)
Aquatic Facilities Guidelines – Facility Development (PDF)
Chapter 9: Legislation and NZ Standards 2024
Lists all relevant New Zealand standards and legislation for aquatic facilities.
Aquatic Facilities Guidelines – Legislation and NZ Standards 2024 (Word)
Aquatic Facilities Guidelines – Legislation and NZ Standards 2024 (PDF)
Territorial Authority best practice assessment tool
Territorial Authorities (TAs) play a key role in delivering sport and recreation. This includes parks, reserves, playgrounds, swimming pools, and community programmes.
Our Territorial Authority Best Practice Assessment Tool helps you assess how well your organisation is performing. It supports better planning, decision-making, and investment in sport and recreation.
The tool helps you:
- identify areas of good practice
- highlight opportunities for improvement
- build an action plan for your organisation.
It is designed for internal use. It is not intended for benchmarking between TAs.
Many organisations use the tool to:
- establish a baseline
- plan improvements
- reassess progress over time.
Territorial Authority best practice tool and guide for sport and recreation departments
WorkSafe guide to writing health and safety documents
WorkSafe have published a guide to writing health and safety documents for your workplace.
This resource outlines good practice for clear, effective documentation in your workplace.
It includes practical advice and links to further guidance.
WorkSafe guide to writing health and safety documents
Guidelines for aquatic flooring surfaces
Safe flooring is critical in and around aquatic facilities for the safety of pool patrons and staff.
These guidelines support better decision-making for:
- selection and design
- installation
- cleaning and maintenance.
They are designed for councils, designers, and pool operators.